The United States has once again been subpoenaed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for not complying with the recommendation set forth by their dispute panel over a trade alteration with Cuba.
The European Community, India, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Angola and Argentina all supported Cuba’s concerns regarding the case of Washington’s Section 211, reported Prensa Latina.
Section 211 of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act adopted by the US Congress has become a clear extension of the US blockade against Cuba, said Cuban Ambassador in Geneva Rodolfo Reyes, during the debates.
The complaint against Section 211 was brought by the European Union on behalf of the French spirits group Pernod Ricard, which is trying to win back ownership of the US trademark for Havana Club from its Bermuda-based competitor, Bacardi Co.
Rodolfo Reyes said that the theft of well-known Cuban trademarks like Havana Club rum has serious commercial implications. He said that Havana Club’s sales around the world are steadily increasing and are currently sold in 124 countries.
“This trademark was misappropriated by the United States by Bacardi. By allowing Bacardi to market rum using this trademark, US authorities have encouraged some of the most disloyal practices in international trade,” said Rodolfo Reyes.
